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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Jun 2001

Vol. 537 No. 5

Written Answers. - Student Poverty.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

118 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has considered further initiatives in relation to poverty among third level students and the effect this has on high drop-out rates at third level. [15289/01]

The national development plan provides for a third level access fund totalling £95 million over the period 2000 to 2006 to tackle under-representation by students from disadvantaged backgrounds, mature students and students with disabilities to third level education.

Last September, I appointed an action group on access to third level education to advise me on the development of a co-ordinated framework to promote access by students from the three target groups. The group was asked to advise on the specific interventions which would be most effective in making further progress in this area. I have received the group's report and I am considering its detailed recommendations.
I have announced a range of initiatives aimed at increasing participation rates among pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. As an initial step, pending the findings of the action group, I announced last September the introduction of a special maintenance grant, payable to disadvantaged grant holders, targeted at those most in need. The full rates of the special maintenance grant entail increases over the standard rates as follows: from £1,775 to £2,000 for students residing more than 15 miles from college; and from £710 to £1,000 for students resident within 15 miles of college.
The action group's report contains recommendations on the eligibility criteria governing the category of students who should qualify for the special rate of grant. My Department is finalising the administrative arrangements necessary to ensure that the special rates of maintenance grant will be made available without delay.
I also announced the introduction of a new millennium partnership fund for disadvantage with a provision of £1 million in 2001, which will be administered in conjunction with the area partnerships.
I have increased significantly the provision for the student assistance-access fund from £1.296 million in 1999 to £1.964 million in 2000. The objective of the fund, which is ESF-aided, is to assist students who might otherwise, due to their financial circumstances, be unable to continue their third level studies.
Last November, I announced the establishment of a special project team to carry out a comprehensive review of every aspect of the maintenance grants and other student supports to ensure their relevance to the needs of third level students. The review will cover a wide range of issues, including the level of grant and eligibility and income limits.
Two reports undertaken by the Educational Research Centre, Drumcondra, quantify the extent of non-completion at third level by institution, gender and field of study. In response to recommendations in these reports, further comprehensive research is being undertaken to examine the underlying causes of non-completion, including the possible impact of social background and financial circumstances. The findings of this qualitative research will influence future policy initiatives regarding non-completion, including initiatives in the area of financial support for students.
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